Eddy current braking system for trolley zip line cable with a stationary conductor

Abstract

A trolley magnetic braking system having a brake block assembly engagable by a trolley, a substantially stationary conductor that is pitch adjustable and a carrier having magnetic members that are driven along the conductive member for braking a trolley. Providing a pitch adjustable conductor allows for modification of how much of the conductor interfaces with the magnets and therein varying the amount of eddy current applied in the braking apparatus.

1. A braking system in combination with a trolley and a zip line, the braking system utilizing eddy currents to slow down and stop the trolley advancing on the zip line, the combination comprising:
 a) a brake block assembly disposed proximal the stopping area of the zip line; 
 b) a stationary elongate conductor plate; 
 c) a magnet carrier assembly having opposing magnetic fields disposed therein; and 
 d) a magnet carrier support track for guiding the travel of said magnet carrier along said conductor plate; 
 e) wherein said magnet carrier support track further comprises a pair of support posts located thereon for retaining said conductor between said ma net during the movement thereof; and 
 f) wherein said support posts further include means for adjusting the pitch of said conductor to increase and decrease the surface area interfaces with the magnetic fields in said magnet carrier thereby enabling a user to manipulate the eddy current effect and the resultant drag. 
 
     
     
       2. The combination recited in  claim 1 , wherein the trolley engages said brake block assembly as the trolley travels along the zip line. 
     
     
       3. The combination recited in  claim 2 , wherein the movement of said brake block assembly engages said magnet carrier affixed to said brake block assembly along said conductor. 
     
     
       4. The combination recited in  claim 3 , wherein the movement of said magnet carrier on each side of said conductor create eddy currents which produce drag to impede movement thereof. 
     
     
       5. The combination recited in  claim 4 , wherein the drag presented to said magnet carrier is transferred directly to the affixed brake block assembly and the trolley urging it forward thereby slowing the trolley and the brake block assembly down and eventually preventing further advancement. 
     
     
       6. The combination recited in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one pulley that is used to redirect a brake cable to enable said conductor and magnet carrier to be disposed in a remote location. 
     
     
       7. The combination recited in  claim 1 , wherein said brake block assembly comprises:
 a) a pair of spaced-apart opposing housing plates; 
 b) a contact flange projecting perpendicularly from one end of each said housing plate for engaging said trolley; 
 c) a plurality of freewheeling pulley wheels to provide smooth, stable travel along said zip line and reduce friction and wear thereto; and 
 d) means for securing the entire assembly into a single unit. 
 
     
     
       8. The combination recited in  claim 7 , wherein said securing means is a plurality of spacers, bolts and washers. 
     
     
       9. The combination recited in  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of pulley wheels are aligned coplanarly and spaced apart to accommodate said zip line and in engagement therewith. 
     
     
       10. The combiantion recited in  claim 1 , wherein said magnet carrier comprises:
 a) a base; 
 b) a pair of spaced apart steel back mounting plates projecting perpendicularly from said base; 
 c) a magnetic plate mounted interiorly on each said mounting plate; 
 d) a gap between said magnets with a gap therebetween to accommodate said conductor therein without making contact therewith; and 
 e) a plurality of wheeled cam followers disposed on the underside of said base to reduce friction and wear as the magnet carrier travels along said support track. 
 
     
     
       11. The combination recited in  claim 1 , wherein said adjustment means is a pair of slots in said support post through which adjustment bolts secure said conductor in place with the pitch being determined by the position of the secured bolts. 
     
     
       12. The combination recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a brake cable communicating between said brake block assembly and said magnet carrier. 
     
     
       13. The combination recited in  claim 1 , wherein said brake block assembly and magnet carrier are combined to form an integral unit. 
     
     
       14. The combination recited in  claim 1 , wherein said brake block assembly and magnet carrier have a rigid spacer therebetween whereby the magnet carrier can be driven along the conductive member.